Everyone has the right to freedom of thought, conscience and religion; this right includes freedom to change his religion or belief and freedom, either alone or in community with others, and in public or private, to manifest his religion or belief in teaching, practice, worship and observance. - Article 18, International Covenant on Civil and Political Rights, 1966.

Separation of Religion or Belief and State – SOROBAS is a term used by The Tandem Project to express the core principles of international human rights law on freedom of religion or belief. The term has a long history with diverse interpretations: Separation of Church and State.

Modern technology, communications and travel provide new learning opportunities to build respect and tolerance for diversity of religion or belief and for each other. The balance between assimilation and multiculturalism is a great challenge for our age. Separation of Religion or Belief and State – SOROBASbrings separation of church and state, separation of synagogue and state, separation of mosque and state, separation of temple and state, and separation of other sacred places and associations and state, together under an umbrella term of respect for each other and international human rights law on freedom of religion or belief.

There is an increase in dialogue today between religions and other beliefs to embrace diversity, but few persons, less than one percent of any population, ever participate. The value of such dialogues is proportionate to the level of participation. Separation of Religion or Belief and State - SOROBASwill create opportunities for inclusive and genuine human rights education on freedom of religion or belief.

The Tandem Project call is for academic, human rights and civil society activists who may wish to pursue multidisciplinary programs, issues, studies or papers, for example on SOROBAS – Separation of Religion or Belief and State, as practical support for an international legally-binding human rights treaty.